Best Summertime Theater Activities For Kids In Los Angeles
Tell-tale signs your child has been born with the acting bug: playing pretend with friends, mimicking scenes in the mirror, parroting accents. Theater camps not only enrich kids' acting abilities, but they can also be a confidence-building source of laughter and friendship during summer break. Develop your child's natural talent for putting on a show with the best theater activities for kids in Los Angeles.
The Young Actor's Studio
5215 Lankershim Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 91601
(310) 281-7545
www.youngactorsstudio.com
Price: $650 for half-day (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) sessions/$1,200 for full-day (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) sessions
Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Call admissions director for an interview to register
Click here for summer program schedule
With former students that include Scarlett Johansson and Shia LaBeouf, it's no wonder that this is one of the leading acting schools in LA. Beginning at basic levels, students from ages four to teens learn from professional actors using fun and engaging techniques. Their focus is on comedy improvisation, imagination, on-camera work and character development. The 19-day summer program begins in July and ends in August.
Occidental College Children's Theater
1600 Campus Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 259-2922
www.oxy.edu
Price: $10 for 13 and older/$7 for kids 12 and younger
Hours: Thurs to Sat – 10 a.m.
Click here for more information about children's theater
From July to August, Occidental College offers children's performances at Remsen Bird Hillside Theater on campus. During these summer sessions, six college students, alumni and professional actors combine talents to teach children performance techniques and improvisation. There are no props, sets, costumes or makeup. Children are encouraged to tap into their comedic talent or act out plays with live performances in front of an audience using only their imagination.
Santa Monica Playhouse Summer Theater Camp
1211 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-9779
www.santamonicaplayhouse.com
Price: from $345 to $725 per session
Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Call (310) 394-9779 ext. 3 for more information or financial assistance
Fun and excitement await your child in a variety of workshops that explore the magic of performance. Trained professionals bring out the costumes and makeup for kids to sing, dance and unleash their potential. Former students include Zooey Deschanel and Kate Hudson. Students from all levels may learn to perform musicals like the pros here. The first session of summer camps are June 25 to July 13; the second session July 23 to Aug 10. Students can build their confidence and creative self-expression in a supportive and fun atmosphere.
LA Connection Comedy Theater
13442 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 710-1320 ext 2
www.laconnectioncomedy.com
Price: $300 for 10 sessions
Hours: Sun – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for more information about summer sessions
Children from 5 to 18 spend six to eight weeks learning improvisation from aspiring comics and may perform once a week before a live audience at LA Connection. Ticket prices are $7 and performers may keep 25 percent of the take for stand-ups. Actors use 10 improv games that include sing-alongs, charades and party quirks during rehearsals. Helpful staff keeps kids laughing, making it a memorable summer for your child.
Kids On Stage Summer Camps
P.O. Box 3664
Santa Monica, CA 90408
(310) 314-0035
www.kidsonstage.com
Price: $450 for a five-day session/$35 material fee per player, per camp
Reservations based on availability.
Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here for summer camp schedule
Inspired by pop culture musicals like "Glee," these five-day sessions will bring out the musical performer in your child. Theater professionals teach kids how to sing, dance, act and explore the Broadway classics. Camps are designed for 7 to 15 year olds, and include themes such as imagination theater, comedy improvisation, youth and teen video. Students will also get plenty of clowning, choreography or arts and crafts, depending on their preferences.
Related: Best Places to Volunteer With Your Kids in Los Angeles
Sheila Szabo is a born cheerleader, and recovering love addict. Passionate about love, art, cooking, storytelling, and inspiring others, she is currently a freelance creative writer from her home in Northern San Diego. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
